Man City send Pep Guardiola’s brother to open talks over deal for €40m La Liga left-back

Manchester City have taken the first steps towards a potential deal for an unexpected left-back target, former Tottenham youth player, Yuri Berchiche, who plays for Real Sociedad in La Liga.

The 27-year-old is a serious possibility to join City in the summer, according to Mundo Deportivo, who claim that City sent some scouts to watch the player and received positive reports back.

After receiving recommendations, Pep is now keen on recruiting Berchiche and is reported to have sent his brother, the agent Pere Guardiola, to take the first steps towards bringing the former Spain youth international to the Etihad Stadium.

City will explore the possibility of signing Berchiche and also consider whether he offers value for money before deciding on whether to make a formal bid. Berchiche, who rejoined his original club, Real Sociedad, from Real Unión in 2012, has a hefty €40 million (£34.5 million) release clause.

La Real may not be inclined to accept less than Berchiche’s clause, and turned away other continental sides in the winter transfer window when they made approaches for the player. His price tag is also said to have scared off Barcelona, who had the player on their radar.

Berchiche has been in good form this season for 4th placed Sociedad, an important cog in a side that sits above Atlético Madrid in La Liga and have a realistic chance of qualifying for the Champions League.